Hi Wize Mamas,

My son recently had a case of (what looked like) the Swine Flu. I can’t be sure because it acted like any other flu:  fever, aches, diahhrea, vomiting.  He was miserable for a day and puny for 3 more days. I administered the tried-and-true “Wet Sock Treatment” (pioneer remedy for fever we’ve been using since Elliott was an infant), gave him big doses of Vitamins C and D along with lots of fluids and extra love and attention. He was back in school after several days but soon began complaining of chest pain.  He now has a confirmed case of pneumonia and has been sent back to bed with a strong dose of antibiotics ( first in 12 years, thank goodness) and orders for more rest. I don’t like using drugs, but in this case the remedy felt appropriate for the situation and the detrimental effects can be countered with probiotics and acupuncture.

I share this story because I think it’s a pretty common one.  We can all get run down and over-committed and we can all get sick.  When we see our children sick we can easily go to place of panic and worry, and may even temporarily lose touch with our intuitive sense of  what’s best.  It’s how we deal with our concern that makes the difference. Balancing facts and information against our intuitive mama-sense is an important aspect of our work as parents.

Recent dramatic news stories and alarming CDC alerts provide a perfect breeding ground for parental panic about the possible ramifications of the latest scary virus: H1N1 or “Swine Flu.” It can be difficult for even the most informed mama to sort out facts from hype as the  public controversy rages on between those entities promoting the vaccines to treat what they have labeled a frightening pandemic, and those reporting equally alarming stories of people suffering life-threatening consequences of the vaccines.   It’s a lot to sort out, especially when the health of our children is at stake.

Like most parents I’ve been pouring over article after article, searching for the best course of action for my family.  I’ve just read what I consider to be a well- informed and balanced view of this current “crisis.”  Dr. Krista Anderson-Ross ND shares important information about Swine Flu and how to Keep Your Family Healthy.  Krista is a Montessori trained educator with many years experience working with young children and families;  she is mama to three beautiful, healthy children; and  she is a Naturopathic physician with a practice in Portland OR.   Thanks to Dr. Anderson-Ross for offering so many practical tips, tools and healthy recipes for busy parents on her blog: www.wholefoodmatters.blogspot.com.

It’s not always easy to know what to do – is it ever easy? – and that’s why I believe coming together and sharing as a community is so important. I hope you’ll post a comment to tell us about what cold and flu remedies work best for your family, as well as your insights about how we can make informed health decisions for our families.

Until next time – stay healthy!

Delila